Monday, April 27, 2015

Home Remedies for Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical
spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis and neck arthritis,
is a very common age-related condition that affects the joints in the
neck. It occurs because of wear and tear of the cartilage, tissues and
bones of the cervical spine. These changes may include dehydrated discs,
herniated discs, bone spurs and stiff ligaments.

Apart from age, other risk factors for cervical spondylosis include occupations that may cause more stress
on your neck, certain neck injuries, incorrect posture while sitting or
walking, smoking, being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle and genetic
factors.

Cervical spondylosis does not cause noticeable
symptoms for most people. However, some may experience neck pain, mild
and chronic pain around the shoulder blades, stiffness in the neck,
muscle weakness, headaches, pain along the arms and in the fingers, and a
tingling sensation on the shoulders and arms. At times, one may also
have symptoms like loss of balance.

Most
people above age 65 suffer from some degree of cervical spondylosis.
Fortunately, with the help of certain medications, simple lifestyle
changes and some simple home remedies, you can control the symptoms and
lead a pain-free life. Follow the remedies daily until you recover
completely.Here are the top 10 home remedies for cervical spondylosis.

1. Regular Exercise

One
of the major causes of cervical spondylosis is lack of regular
exercise. Therefore, you can reduce pain and stiffness around your neck
and shoulders by incorporating regular physical exercise into your
lifestyle.

Rotate your head in both clockwise and
counter-clockwise directions, and nod the neck side to side from one
shoulder to the other. Do this for 10 minutes 2 or 3 times daily. This
will help the pain in your neck from getting severe.

You can
even rotate your arms in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, and
fold and unfold your fists at regular intervals to control pain.

Also, do low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming or brisk walking for 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.

You can also enjoy cycling on a regular basis. However, make sure to keep your back straight while cycling.

Note: If the pain becomes severe while doing any kind of exercise, stop doing it and consult your doctor.

2. Hot and Cold Compresses

Another easy way to deal with neck pain
due to cervical spondylosis is alternating hot and cold compresses on
the affected area. Hot compresses will improve blood circulation and
relax sore muscles. Cold compresses will reduce swelling and
inflammation.

To make the hot compress, wrap a hot water bag in a thin towel.

To make the cold compress, wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel.

Place the hot compress on the affected area for 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove it and apply the cold compress for 1 minute.

Repeat the process for 15 to 20 minutes.

Follow this simple remedy a few times daily until you get relief.

Note: Do not apply hot compresses if the affected area is red and irritated. Avoid cold compresses if you have circulatory problems.

3. Epsom Salt Bath

Taking
an Epsom salt bath on a regular basis is another good remedy to ease
symptoms related to cervical spondylosis. The magnesium in Epsom salt
regulates the pH levels in the body, in turn reducing stiffness,
inflammation and pain in the neck and shoulders.

Mix a little
water in 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to make a thick paste. Apply
it on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes to get soothing comfort. Do
this every other day.

Alternatively, add 2 cups of Epsom salt
to a warm bath. Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy this relaxing
bath 2 or 3 times a week.

Note: Those who have kidney problems, heart problems or diabetes must not use this remedy.

4. Garlic

Garlic
gives good results when it comes to cervical spondylosis symptoms. Its
anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help treat pain, swelling and
inflammation in the neck and surrounding areas.

Eat a couple
of raw garlic buds on an empty stomach each morning with water. You can
also take garlic capsules but only after consulting your doctor.

Another
option is to heat 2 to 3 crushed garlic cloves in a pan with some
vegetable oil. Allow it to cool, then use it to massage the painful area
for 5 to 10 minutes. Follow this with a warm bath. Do this 2 times
daily.

Continue either of these remedies daily until you recover completely.

5. Turmeric

Due
to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is another popular remedy
for cervical spondylosis. In addition, turmeric increases blood
circulation, which helps reduce muscle stiffness and pain.

6. Sesame Seeds

One
popular Ayurvedic remedy to deal with cervical spondylosis is sesame
seeds. They are rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc,
phosphorus and vitamins K and D, which are good for your bones and
overall health. Sesame oil is also effective in reducing neck pain.

Apply
some warm sesame oil on the affected area and massage for 10 minutes.
Then apply a hot compress on the area. Do this 3 or 4 times daily.

You can also mix a few drops of lavender oil in warm sesame oil and use it to massage the neck area.

Other
options are to chew 1 tablespoon of roasted white sesame seeds once
daily in the morning, or mix 1 teaspoon of roasted and ground sesame
seeds in a glass of warm milk and drink it 2 times daily. Also, include
sesame seeds in your cooking.

7. Ginger

Ginger
is another widely used home remedy to treat cervical spondylosis. This
herb is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and improves blood
circulation. Thus, it helps reduce pain and inflammation in the neck and
surrounding areas.

Drink ginger tea
3 times a day. To make the tea, boil 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced
ginger in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey and drink
it.

Alternatively, make a powdered preparation using equal
amounts of dried ginger root, celery seeds and cumin seeds. Add rock
salt to improve the taste. Eat 1 teaspoon of this powder with water
before going to bed.

You can also massage the affected area with ginger oil a few times daily.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

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Being
rich in anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties, apple cider
vinegar is also a good remedy for cervical spondylosis. It can
effectively soothe pain and inflammation in the neck area.

Place a paper towel soaked in apple cider vinegar over the affected area. Leave it on for a few hours. Do this 2 times daily.

Another option is to add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to lukewarm bath water. Soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes, once daily.

You
can also add 1 tablespoon of raw and organic apple cider vinegar and a
little honey to a glass of water and drink it once daily.

9. Cayenne Pepper

Another
effective home remedy for cervical spondylosis is cayenne pepper. It
contains capsaicin, which has analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory
properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the neck.

Mix
together 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and 2 tablespoons of
lukewarm olive oil. Apply it on the affected area. Cover it with a
bandage and leave it on for a few hours or overnight. Do this daily.

Alternatively, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to a glass of warm water. Drink it 2 or3 times daily.

10. Indian Lilac

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Indian
lilac, also known as neem, has anti-inflammatory as well as
pain-suppressing properties that can alleviate pain, inflammation and
swelling in the neck due to cervical spondylosis.

Add a
little water to 1 tablespoon of neem powder to make a thick paste. Heat
the paste on a double boiler for a few minutes. Apply this hot paste (it
must be bearable) on the affected areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes,
then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat a few times daily.

Another option is to boil some neem leaves and flowers in 1 cup of water. Strain, allow it to cool and drink it twice daily.

You can also massage the affected area with neem oil 2 times a day.

Additional Tips

Eating a little Chebulic myrobalan (haritaki) after lunch and dinner will also provide quick relief from pain and stiffness.

Avoid physical exertion. Do not do anything that can worsen the problem, such as heavy lifting.

Get
a good night’s sleep. Sleep on one firm pillow to reduce strain on your
neck; do not use several pillows. Sleep on a firm mattress, on your
back or on your side with knees bent at right angles to the torso.

Maintain correct posture when standing and sitting.

Eat plenty of salad made with raw vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, radishes and lettuce.

1 comment:

Thanks for sharing this article. All the home remedies mention in his blog is really effective and easy to treat Cervical Spondylosis. When I had suffered from this disease two years ago, I had undergone Cervical Spondylosis Treatment at the spine clinic. It really worked for me and till today I have never get affected by Cervical Spondylosis.